Peter Fowler has stormed home to a 6 shot victory in the final round of the 2012 ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open. In near perfect conditions, Fowler capitalised on the typical Perth weather finishing out the tournament with a final round of 2 under par 70 backing up opening rounds of 67 and 70. Teeing off at 10.55am local time, Fowler got off to a strong start with a birdie on the par 4 first hole, backing it up quickly with further birdies on the fourth and seventh holes. A bogey on eight was disappointing but not threatening to his 6 shot lead over the rest of the field. Turning at 2 under the card, Fowler played confident golf on the back 9 finishing out his round with a par on 18 to sign for 2 under par for the final round, 6 shots ahead of next best placed David Merriman and past champion Mike Harwood. While accepting the trophy from Chairman of Golf Australia John Hopkins, Fowler thanked his coach and caddy Craig Bishop who he credited with getting his head right and really turning his game around over the past 2 and a half years . An emotional Fowler also thanked his wife Kim and family back home in New Zealand who have all supported him over a long and impressive golfing career. The honour of the Australian Senior Open title comes 29 years after Fowler won the Australian Open title in 1983. He joins a growing list of champions of the prestigious title including Wayne Grady, Mike Harwood and Peter Senior. Fowler will take his winning form to Mauritius next week to contend the European Senior Tour season ending event the MCB Tour Championship. David Merriman and Mike Harwood finished runner up in the event after scores of 70, 71, 72 and 72, 70, 71 consecutively. Both will also take their strong form to the event in Mauritius next week to finish out the long year of golf. Michael Clayton had the round of the day shooting 5 under par 67 to finish in the tie for 4th with Tim Elliott.
Author: Gemma Felton